Are you looking for the right term life insurance plan for your family, but don’t know where to start or which options are available? Look no further!
We will discuss term life insurance, how it functions, and which plan best protects your family.
Whether you already have a policy or are just starting to evaluate coverage, our informative article will help you understand all aspects of this protection.
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What is Term Life Insurance?
A term life insurance policy is basically a deal between you and the life insurance company. If you pass away, they promise to pay a lump sum to your beneficiaries.
Most people think of term coverage as pure life insurance because it has no cash value or investment component.
It’s good to know that term life insurance pays out a death benefit for any cause of death, whether accidental or due to illness, as long as the policy is in force.
The only exception is that if you commit suicide within the first two years of coverage, no death benefits will be paid out.
How does term life insurance work?
Term life insurance is popular among younger buyers and those with limited disposable income because it is affordable and easy to understand.
When you purchase term insurance, your premium is based on your health, the length of coverage (ranging from 10 to 40 years), and the chosen death benefit.
Once your policy is approved, your loved ones will be assured of a tax-free death benefit.
According to US News, your beneficiaries can choose to receive the proceeds in a lump sum or a series of payments and can spend the money as they see fit.
What happens when term life insurance ends?
When your term period ends, your coverage ends unless you have options to renew or convert it.
We encourage buyers to choose a term length that matches their expected coverage needs, as renewal rates increase each year after the initial term.
Fortunately, our policies offer a conversion option, allowing you to switch to more expensive permanent coverage without undergoing a new health examination.
Comparing Term Life Insurance Plans
The biggest decision you’ll face when selecting insurance is determining the duration of your coverage, referred to as your “term.”
We strongly recommend level-term policies, as they provide the stability of consistent payments and coverage that remain unchanged throughout the policy’s term.
Let’s explore the most common term lengths, how each option could seamlessly integrate into your life, and the protection it provides for your family.
Term Life Insurance for 10 Years
A 10-year term policy is the most economical type of life insurance coverage, providing maximum coverage at a minimal cost for a decade.
We primarily sell 10-year policies to clients seeking to protect shorter-term commitments, such as business loans, debt consolidation, or education funding.
We recently helped a 45-year-old business owner secure a $500,000 policy to cover a business loan. During her loan repayment period, she needed coverage for ten years, which only cost $24 per month.
You’ll be happy to know that this type of coverage is widely offered by many companies for applicants up to age 80, making it one of the easiest policy options to find!
10-Year Term Life Quotes for Men
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 18 | 28 | 44 |
| 50 | 24 | 41 | 69 |
| 55 | 38 | 67 | 120 |
| 60 | 58 | 108 | 190 |
| 65 | 97 | 181 | 348 |
10-Year Term Life Quotes for Women
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 16 | 24 | 38 |
| 50 | 22 | 33 | 57 |
| 55 | 36 | 51 | 89 |
| 60 | 51 | 73 | 143 |
| 65 | 88 | 120 | 220 |
Term Life Insurance for 15 Years
A 15-year term gives you a bit more breathing room, offering guaranteed death benefits and level premiums for fifteen years.
This term plan is a great option for individuals in their 40s and 50s who need coverage until their children are financially independent or their retirement savings are fully established.
We partner with many reputable insurers that typically offer these term insurance plans until you reach age 75.
15-Year Term Life Insurance Costs for Men
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 22 | 35 | 63 |
| 50 | 37 | 54 | 160 |
| 55 | 45 | 86 | 182 |
| 60 | 67 | 127 | 243 |
| 65 | 114 | 256 | 471 |
15-Year Term Life Insurance Costs for Women
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 19 | 29 | 49 |
| 50 | 24 | 41 | 73 |
| 55 | 35 | 60 | 109 |
| 60 | 51 | 93 | 178 |
| 65 | 87 | 165 | 304 |
Term Life Insurance for 20 Years
The 20-year term insurance plan is one of our most popular product offerings. Industry statistics from Forbes support this, noting that over 40% of term insurance buyers choose this plan.
We find that people of all ages often choose a 20-year term life insurance policy to replace lost income upon death. The death benefit helps families cover lost income and manage expenses without financial strain.
20-Year Term Insurance Rates for Men
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 27 | 46 | 85 |
| 50 | 39 | 70 | 128 |
| 55 | 60 | 112 | 213 |
| 60 | 103 | 197 | 373 |
| 65 | 188 | 375 | 739 |
20-Year Term Insurance Rates for Women
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 22 | 37 | 66 |
| 50 | 32 | 55 | 96 |
| 55 | 45 | 84 | 157 |
| 60 | 75 | 139 | 262 |
| 65 | 131 | 255 | 475 |
Term Life Insurance for 25 Years
A 25-year term life insurance policy protects your loved ones for a quarter century and at a price that won’t keep you up at night.
It’s ideal for those with extended financial commitments, helping them navigate these important life milestones with confidence.
The best part? You’ve got many options. While several insurance carriers offer these policies, we often recommend Transamerica because they’re more flexible with age requirements – you can apply until age 65.
25-Year Term Life Prices for Men
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 38 | 65 | 121 |
| 50 | 58 | 104 | 200 |
| 55 | 98 | 187 | 332 |
| 60 | 200 | 382 | 679 |
| 65 | 347 | 660 | 1,277 |
25-Year Term Life Prices for Women
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 45 | 30 | 50 | 92 |
| 50 | 45 | 78 | 149 |
| 55 | 69 | 129 | 244 |
| 60 | 147 | 266 | 508 |
| 65 | 131 | 542 | 1,067 |
Term Life Insurance for 30 Years
A 30-year term life plan is one of our most popular choices for younger and middle-aged clients. Why? Because you lock in one predictable rate that won’t change for three decades.
This term life insurance plan is a popular choice for homeowners seeking mortgage protection to cover the entire mortgage balance or to ensure several years of payments.
For instance, we recently sold a $250,0000 term plan to a 35-year-old male client for just $24 a month to protect his mortgage, ensuring his family wouldn’t have to worry about losing their home.
If you’re middle-aged and considering a 30-year term, submit your application before you turn 56 to ensure eligibility.
30-Year Term Insurance Costs for Men
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 35 | 24 | 36 | 64 |
| 40 | 29 | 51 | 143 |
| 45 | 43 | 77 | 151 |
| 50 | 69 | 124 | 226 |
| 55 | 118 | 226 | 443 |
30-Year Term Insurance Costs for Women
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 35 | 20 | 30 | 52 |
| 40 | 25 | 40 | 73 |
| 45 | 35 | 59 | 113 |
| 50 | 58 | 96 | 177 |
| 55 | 82 | 54 | 298 |
Term Life Insurance for 40 Years
Yes, a 40-year term plan does exist! They’re not for everyone, but they can be a lifesaver for people who want coverage as long as possible.
With premiums guaranteed for four decades, 40-year term life insurance provides a lasting layer of protection, no matter what happens in the years ahead.
Forty-year policies are perfect for young individuals who want comprehensive protection without a permanent plan’s financial commitment.
Younger buyers who choose term coverage and invest the premium savings from whole life insurance may see better long-term returns—but only if they stick to their investment plan and avoid spending the difference.
For those exploring insurance options, it’s worth noting that only Banner and Protective Life offer 40-year term plans.
Due to the extended duration, policies are available only to non-smokers aged 45 or younger and to smokers aged 40 or younger.
40-Year Term Insurance Rates for Males
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 25 | 25 | 43 | 73 |
| 30 | 30 | 54 | 102 |
| 35 | 37 | 70 | 134 |
| 40 | 61 | 113 | 219 |
| 45 | 96 | 186 | 365 |
40-Year Term Insurance Rates for Females
| $250k | $500k | $1mm | |
| 25 | 21 | 34 | 58 |
| 30 | 23 | 39 | 72 |
| 35 | 29 | 52 | 92 |
| 40 | 49 | 90 | 174 |
| 45 | 77 | 46 | 285 |

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Tips for Buying Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance isn’t fancy, but that’s the point. It’s reliable, affordable, and designed to protect the people who matter most to you.
Let’s figure out the right coverage for you. As independent insurance agents, we’re here to walk you through it, step by step.
First, we’ll work together to decide how much coverage makes sense—taking into account your income, debts, and what you want for your family’s future.
A good rule of thumb is 7 to 10 times your annual income, but we’ll tweak that number to fit your situation.
It is important to choose the appropriate duration for your term coverage. We will help you align your policy term with your most significant responsibilities.
To save money, we recommend a “ladder” strategy, which involves taking out several term policies with different expiration dates. This way, your coverage decreases as your financial obligations diminish, resulting in lower premiums.
When you’re ready, we’ll shop around with trusted companies, including Lincoln, Protective, Pacific Life, Banner, Corebridge, and Transamerica.
Forbes’ latest analysis confirms that these companies continue to offer competitive rates and reliable service.
Finally, we’ll walk you through the application process, which typically involves a brief phone call or a home medical exam.
Be patient because the underwriting process typically takes a few weeks to a month. During this time, the insurance company’s team will review your medical results and may contact your doctors to obtain records.
Remember, we’re independent agents, which means we work for you, not the insurance companies. We’ll make sure you understand all your options and help you navigate any bumps along the way.
FAQs: Term Life Insurance Plans
What riders come with a term life policy? The terminal illness rider is included with most term coverage and allows you to access part of your death benefits early when diagnosed with a terminal illness.
What is the main disadvantage of term life insurance? Term life provides protection for a specific period, not a lifetime. If the policy expires before your death, no death benefit will be paid to your beneficiaries.
Can you cash out term life insurance? You cannot cash out term life insurance policies as they do not accrue any savings. However, specific term policies may offer the option to convert into a permanent policy that does provide cash values.
Do you get money back after your term coverage ends? Term-life insurance policies do not refund premiums if you survive the policy term. Only specific policies, such as return-of-premium plans, offer this feature.
Can senior citizens buy term life insurance? Insurance companies typically have an upper age limit for term life policies, usually around 80. However, most seniors would be better off buying universal or whole-life insurance coverage.
Trending Term Life Insurance Topics
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Affordable Life USA offers comprehensive life insurance solutions to families and business owners throughout the United States.
Our founder, Eric Van Haaften, developed his passion for quantitative analysis while earning his business degree from Ferris State University, which laid a strong foundation for his analytical approach to financial planning.
Eric has obtained a professional LUTCF designation, awarded by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the American College of Financial Services.
Another professional accolade is qualifying for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table. Eric also serves as the treasurer of the Senior Sing Along charity.
Eric Van Haaften, LUTCF

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Affordable Life USA
2524 Woodmeadow Grand Rapids, MI 49546 . 1-877-249-1358
What is
How does term life insurance work?
What happens when term life insurance ends?
Comparing Term Life Insurance Plans
Term Life Insurance for 10 Years



Term Life Insurance for 40 Years
FAQs: Term Life Insurance Plans


